HobbyZone Firebird Scout Instruction Manual

HBZ4615

6

05482 14022 2

HobbyZone®products are distributed exclusively by

Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822
www.horizonhobby.com

©2004 Horizon Hobby, Inc.

7047

Instruction Manual

™

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 36

Welcome

to the World of

Crash damage is not covered
under the warranty.

Be sure to read the warranty on
page 27 and "Warnings and
Safety" on page 24 before you
proceed to Step 1.

Congratulations on your purchase of the HobbyZone®Firebird
Scout™—a radio-controlled airplane that allows you to have success
as a complete beginner.The Firebird Scout will also allow you to
expand to more advanced maneuvers as your flying abilities improve.
Before your first flight, read these instructions thoroughly.Also, make
certain to watch the included VCD. These will both help familiarize
you with the basics of flight as well as offer some pointers to ensure
success in your first flights.

The HobbyZone Firebird Scout is equipped with revolutionary soft­ware: Smart-Trak

™

. When Smart-Trak is in Standard Mode, it auto­matically recognizes mistakes beginners often make (such as over­control) and compensates for them, while also increasing control
during gliding with the motor off to maintain positive control. This
software makes the Firebird Scout one of the easiest planes to fly.

Once you’re more experienced, you can enter Expert
Mode, which allows you to have full control at all times
for tighter turns and spirals, as well as other dramatic
maneuvers.

Our mission at HobbyZone

®

is to make sure you have
success and safe fun with the Firebird Scout™, as well
as learn a few things along the way.

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4

Step 2

5

Step 1

Attaching the Wing

1. Center the wing on the fuselage by aligning the

center dot on the wing with the fuselage top
seam and by centering the half circle on the
wing’s trailing edge over the fuselage center.

2. Secure the wing in place by attaching two rubber

bands across the middle and one on each side as
shown. Locate the rubber bands on the peg hooks
as close as possible to the fuselage sides.

3. Before each flight, make sure the front and

trailing edges of the wing are exactly centered
on the fuselage.

1. Your transmitter comes with the 9V battery
pre-installed.

2. To test, switch on the transmitter. The LED
should glow brightly.

Your Firebird Scout™includes landing gear. Simply slide
the landing gear into the allotted slot in the fuselage.
Once this is done, you are ready to attach the wing.

Needed for Step 1

9V (1 pre-installed)

Transmitter Wing Attachment

Rubber Bands (x4)

Needed for Step 2

Landing Gear Installation

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 4

Important: Charge the battery shortly before flying.
While charging, place the battery on a heat-resistant
surface. Do not lay it on carpet or upholstery while
charging. If you charge the battery 12–48 hours before
flying, charge again for 30 minutes right before you fly.
Stop charging immediately when the battery becomes
warm, indicating it is fully charged.

Note: If the weather is cold, keep the battery in a warm
place until you are ready to fly. A cold battery will have
dramatically reduced performance and the throttle will
shut off early.

Step 4

7

Charging the Aircraft Battery

Step 3

6

Note: Never charge a hot battery or a battery
that is already charged. Always discharge before
every charge.

See “Warnings and Safety” on page 24.

1. The charger supplied with the Firebird Scout

™

has
a built-in timer. Plug the battery into the charger,
and then plug the charger into the wall. The LED
indicator should glow constantly. After about 2.5
hours, the LED will turn off, indicating the battery
is charged and ready to use.

2. To charge another battery, the charger must first
be unplugged from both the wall and the battery
to reset the timer.

Motor Test and Battery Discharge

Adult Supervision Required

WARNING: Keep everything clear of the propeller and

hold the plane securely. A moving propeller can cause
severe injury.

1. Turn the transmitter on.

2. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug in
the connector.

3. Move the transmitter’s left stick all the way down
and hold for one second. This will arm the motor.

4. Move the transmitter’s left stick up. Since most
batteries come partially charged, the prop should
spin at high speed. (If the motor does not run,
proceed to charging the battery.)

5. In order to fully discharge the battery, run the
motor at high speed until it shuts off. If there is
not enough charge in the battery to power the
propeller, then proceed to Step 4.

6. When finished with the motor test, be sure to
disconnect the battery first then turn off the
transmitter.

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Step 5

9

Tail Control Test continued

Step 5

8

Tail Control Test

WATCH OUT! Be sure to keep everything clear of the
propeller before starting the control test, in the event
that you accidentally turn on the motor.

1. Switch on the transmitter. Check the LED. Do not
touch the sticks for 2 seconds while the transmitter
automatically calibrates the controls.

2. Install the battery in the fuselage slot and plug in
the connector. Do not arm the motor.

3. Move the right stick side to side. The flaps should
move as on the following page. If each flap is not
level with the rest of the tail surface when the
right stick is centered, adjust the control lines so
they are level (see page 10).

View from Rear

Moves Up

Moves Up

View from Rear

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 8

• If corrections are needed,repeat steps 1 and 2 from
above.

• Use your fingers or a small flat screwdriver to turn
the slotted spool on the control horn of the line
that needs to be adjusted. Depending on the
direction the spool is turned, this will lengthen or
shorten the control line.

• While applying some tension to the control line,
adjust until the control surface is level with the
rest of the surface.

Note: Do not allow slack in the lines. The lines should
be just taut and the control surfaces level with the rest
of the tail.

Step 7

11

Step 6

10

Choosing a Flying Field

• A large, open grass field is required to fly.The
Firebird Scout™ flies approximately 15–20 mph,
so it covers ground fast. The bigger the field,
the better!

• It is absolutely essential to have a minimum of
300 feet of clear space in all directions from the
pilot. If you ignore this direction, you will regret it.

Important: Do not fly over or near people, buildings,
power lines, highways, train tracks, vehicles,trees,
water, pavement,gravel, any hard surface or any
object you don’t want to crash into. Please take this
warning seriously to keep people, property and the
Firebird Scout safe. Crash damage is not covered by
the warranty.

600 feet

Fly in this area

(upwind of pilot)

stand here

Checking and Adjusting the Tail Control Surfaces

Before making your first flight, confirm that the
two control surfaces are level with rest of tail.
To do this simply:

1. Turn on the transmitter. Leave the sticks at
neutral for a few seconds to allow the calibration
process to be completed.

2. Plug the fully charged battery into the airplane.
If the tail control surfaces are level with the rest
of the tail, your task is complete.

If you notice that one of the tail control flaps (or both)
are not level with the rest of the tail, some corrections
are needed prior to flight.

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Step 9

13

Step 8

12

Range Test

You will need two people to do the range test: one to
hold the transmitter and one to hold the airplane.

1. One person holds the transmitter; the other person
walks 100 paces away with the airplane.

2. Extend the transmitter antenna completely and
turn the transmitter on.

3. Plug in the airplane battery and close the hatch
cover.

4. Pull the throttle stick back to arm the motor.

5. As the first person moves both of the transmitter
controls at the same time, the other person
watches to be sure the airplane’s motor and tail
controls operate smoothly.

If model does not range test correctly, do not fly.
Call Horizon Hobby Product Support Staff toll-free at 1­877-504-0233 for directions on how to proceed.

WATCH OUT! The person holding the airplane should
hold it so that the propeller does not come in contact
with any part of their body.

Choose a Calm Day

You want to fly! If you wait until the day is right, you will
have a successful flight. On your first flights, do not fly
if the wind is more than 5 mph!

1. Tie the included red flag to the end of your
transmitter antenna.

2. Hold the transmitter flat so the antenna is parallel
to the ground and note how much the flag moves
in the wind. If the flag hangs down, you’re good to
fly. If the angle between the antenna and the flag
is less than 25°, it’s too windy for beginning pilots
to fly.

SUCCESS TIP: Be smart! Follow this tip and protect
your Firebird Scout™—you’ll be glad you did. For begin­ners, flying in too much wind is by far the #1 reason for
crashes and/or lost planes.

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Step 11

15

Step 10

14

Taking Off

1. Your Firebird Scout™will need to be hand-launched.
On first flights, have a second person (adult
recommended) launch your Firebird Scout while
the pilot controls with the transmitter.Adult
assistance is always recommended for pilots 12
years of age or younger.

2. Make sure the battery is fully charged.

3. While holding transmitter in one hand, push
throttle stick to full-on (up) with thumb.

4. Take a couple of steps and launch the model

directly into the wind. Keep the wings level.

Use medium force. Do not throw it up or down.
Point it level (parallel) with the ground when
releasing. Think of it as a javelin that you are
throwing 20 feet away.

WATCH OUT! Keep the spinning propeller away from
your hair, head,and hands or injur y may occur.

Important: Before launching, determine the wind
direction by watching which way the red transmitter rib­bon is blowing.

Important: Be careful when holding the right stick full­over right or left for extended amounts of time.
In some cases, this can cause the model to spiral dive,
and if it does not have sufficient altitude, and it may
crash. If you see the Firebird Scout

™

beginning to enter

a spiral, release the right stick.

1. After launching, the model will begin climbing.

Keep the throttle full-on.

2. Make right and left adjustments of the right
control stick to keep it flying straight into the
wind. Don’t attempt a turn until model reaches
50 feet of altitude.

3. Control range is 1500 feet. Don’t let the model fly
too far away. Keep upwind, especially if the wind
is over 8 mph, or the wind may carry it away.
Turn off or reduce power if you are climbing to
high or losing ground in high winds.

Important: Remember, the higher you fly, the stronger
the wind will be.

Flying

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Step 12

17

Flying continued

Step 11

16

Turning

Hold the right stick in the direction you want the model
to turn.

Trimming

The model should fly straight with the control stick at
neutral. See page 20 for information regarding tail
adjustments.

Throttle Adjustment

1. Climb to an altitude of 50 feet or more with
full throttle.

2. To achieve a level “cruising” altitude, reduce
power by moving the throttle stick down to
approximately 50% of full-on.

3. To reduce altitude, reduce throttle.

4. To increase altitude, increase throttle.

WATCH OUT! If you’re flying with the motor off or
at a low speed, allow the Firebird Scout™a bit more
area for turns.

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 16

A. If the Firebird Scout™keeps turning to the left with

the stick at neutral:

1. Flex the outer right tail trim tab down about 1/16”
and flex the left tail trim tab up 1/16”.

2. Test fly.

3. Repeat until you achieve the desired result.

Note: Always make these adjustments after powering
up the plane and transmitter, but before arming the
motor.

Step 14

19

Landing

Step 13

18

When you notice that your Firebird Scout™no longer
climbs well under full power (normally after approxi­mately 8–10 minutes), the battery is getting low and it’s
time to land. Line the model up, heading directly into
the wind toward the desired landing spot. At 10 feet of
altitude, gradually reduce the throttle stick to turn off
the motor.The Firebird Scout will glide in for a landing.
You can land on smooth concrete or similar surface
since your Firebird Scout is equipped with landing gear.
If you choose to fly without the landing gear attached, it
is best to land on grass in order to prevent any dam­age.

Note: If you have the landing gear attached, it is rec­ommended to land on a smooth surface such as
asphalt. However,if you are flying over primarily grass,
you can easily remove the included landing gear and
glide in for a landing on the grass.

Auto Cut-Off Feature: When the motor battery gets
low enough, this feature will automatically shut off the
motor and save enough battery power so you can steer
to a safe landing. If the motor cuts off, prepare to land
immediately.

WARNING: Do not attempt to catch the airplane
or injury may result. Also, be sure to turn motor off
before you touch down or damage can occur to your
wing and propeller. Remember to always land directly
into the wind.

Expert Tip: As you get more experienced at flying, try
adding a small “blip” of power just before touchdown.
With some practice, you’ll be able to land it right on tar­get.

Reduce power at 10 feet

Making Adjustments— Plane Turns to the Left or Right

B. If the Firebird Scout keeps turning to the right with

the stick at neutral:

1. Flex the outer left tail trim tab down about 1/16”
and flex the right tail trim tab up 1/16”.

2. Test fly.

3. Repeat until you achieve the desired result.

Important: If there is a bend (even a small one) in the tail or wing or a tear near the flap areas, it is impossible to
have correct flight control. Replace the damaged part immediately!

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 18

B. If the Firebird Scout climbs too fast with full

throttle by climbing at a steep angle, stalling and
keeps repeating climbing sharply and stalling, do
the following:

1. Flex both trim tabs down about 1/16” from
current position.

2. Test fly.

3. Repeat the above procedure if necessary until
your Firebird Scout climbs at a steady rate.

Step 16

21

Step 15

20

Making Adjustments to the Climb Rate

A. If the Firebird Scout™(with a fully charged battery)

does not climb fast enough with full throttle, you
can adjust the climb rate by:

1. Flexing both trim tabs up about 1/16” from current
position.

2. Test fly.

3. Repeat until the Firebird Scout achieves desired
climb rate.

Entering Expert Mode

Once you have mastered the Smart-Trak™Standard
Mode of the Firebird Scout™, you can activate the
Expert Mode to disable the software portion of Smart­Trak. In this mode,you will have full control at all times.
The Firebird Scout will turn tighter and easily enter a
spiral. This mode is not recommended until you have
mastered flying in Standard Mode.

1. Start with the transmitter off and the battery out of
the plane.

2. Always hold the plane securely, keeping all body
parts away from the propeller when the flight battery
is installed or being installed.

3. Install and plug in the flight battery.

4. While holding the throttle stick full forward, switch
on the transmitter. Continue holding full throttle for 2
seconds then release the throttle stick. You are now
in Expert Mode! Confirm that you have successfully
entered Expert Mode by following the simple steps
on page 22.

5. Before launching, pull the throttle stick back all the
way to arm the motor.Test the motor with a blip of
power before launching.

6. Repeat this procedure if Expert Mode is desired
every time you install a flight battery.

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 20

23

Step 16

22

Expert Mode continued

Testing the Mode (Optional)

You may check to see what mode you are in after
power up, but before pulling the throttle back to arm
the motor.

1. Push and hold the throttle stick forward.
(The motor should not run since it is not armed.)

2. While holding the throttle stick forward, push
the right stick all the way to the right and hold
it there.

• If the left control surface deflects up, holds for
about half a second, then reduces to about half
way up, you are in Smart-Trak

™

Standard Mode.

• If the left control surface deflects up and stays
up the same amount continuously, you are in
Expert Mode.

If a Crash Occurs

1. If you happen to crash and part of the foam wing
or tail breaks, it can be repaired using packing
tape to cover missing pieces.

2. If damage is severe or if wing or tail is bent,
replace damaged parts immediately. See page 28
for a complete replacement parts list.

Important: Control Alignment
Tail flaps must be level or nearly level with no slack
in the control lines or the plane will not fly well. See
page 10 if adjustment is necessary.

23

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2524

Warnings and Safety

1. Read and follow this manual and included video
completely, observing all instructions and safety
directions. Otherwise, serious injury and damage
can occur.Think safety first.

2. Keep the propeller away from body parts, even
when it isn’t spinning as it could be turned on
by accident. Beware of hair becoming entangled
in the propeller, especially while launching the
Firebird Scout

™

on a windy day, or injury may occur.

3. Do not fly when it’s too windy (as described in
STEP 8) or you may lose control and crash, causing
injury or damage. Never fly the Firebird Scout near
people, vehicles, train tracks, buildings,power
lines, water,hard surfaces or trees. Never allow
anyone to attempt to catch the Firebird Scout
while it’s in flight or serious injury can result.

4. Adult supervision is recommended for ages 12
and under.

5. Battery Charging: Only use a battery charger
intended for use with the Firebird Scout battery.

Never leave the charger unattended while charging.
This will help prevent overcharging. While charg­ing, place the battery on a heat-resistant surface.
Do not lay it on carpet or upholstery while charg­ing. Charging a battery that is not fully discharged
will cause the battery to overheat unless it is
carefully monitored and removed from the charge
when it becomes warm.

6. Never cut into the battery charger or airplane
wires or serious injury can occur. Causing the
battery to “short out” (crossing negative and
positive bare wires) can cause fire, serious injury
and/or damage.

7. Hold the plane securely and keep all body parts
away from the propeller when the flight battery is
plugged in. When you finish flying the Firebird
Scout, always unplug the battery before you turn
off the transmitter.

8. Never fly on the same frequency as another RC
vehicle in your area. The frequency of the Firebird
Scout is shown on stickers on the back of the
transmitter.

Unit does not operate 1. Transmitter battery is depleted or installed

incorrectly.This is indicated by a dim or unlit
LED on transmitter or the low battery alarm

2. No electrical connection

3. Firebird Scout

™

battery is not charged

4. Crash has damaged the radio inside the
Firebird Scout

1. Check installation or replace with a fresh
9V battery.

2. Push connectors together until they click

3. Charge battery fully

4. Replace the fuselage

Aircraft keeps turning in

one direction

1. Tail flaps need adjustment

2. Wing is not centered over the fuselage

3. Decals may be lifting up on wing

1. Adjust tail flap position (see page 20)

2. Center the wing before each flight

3. Tape or press down decals

Aircraft is difficult

to control

1. Tail flaps aren't adjusted properly

2. Wing or tail is damaged

1. Adjust tail flaps (see page 20)

2. Repair or replace tail

Aircraft keeps pitching

up steeply

1. Tail flaps need adjustment

2. Wind is too gusty or too strong

1. Adjust tail flaps (see page 20)

2. Postpone flying until wind is more calm

Aircraft won't climb 1. Battery isn't fully charged

2. Tail needs adjustment

1. Charge battery shortly before flying

2. Adjust tail flaps (see page 20)

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

POSSIBLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

Motor shuts off after short

flight in cold weather

1. Battery is cold (or has been stored in a
cold location)

1. Always keep charged batteries at room
temperature until ready for flying

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 24

27

26

Success Tips

1. A must for beginners: Don’t fly in winds over
5 mph!

2. Important: Choose a flying field carefully—grass
and soft ground with 600-foot diameter is optimal
to fly and will lengthen the life of the Firebird
Scout

™

.

3. Watch out! Holding the right stick full-over for too
long may cause the Firebird Scout to spiral dive
and crash, especially at low altitudes. At the very
first sign of the Scout beginning to spiral down,
immediately release the throttle stick and give the
opposite control to level the wings.

4. Purchase an extra battery pack for added fun
at the flying field.

5. If you’re gliding with the motor off, allow the
Firebird Scout a little more area for turns.

6. Position yourself at your flying field to keep
the sun at your back and out of your eyes.
Wear sunglasses on bright days.

7. Keep the Firebird Scout upwind, especially on
windy days, to prevent it from “flying away.” The
wind is normally stronger at higher altitudes than
it is on the ground.

8. Keep your plane in front of you so you don’t have
to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid flying
directly overhead.

9. Don’t attempt to fly beyond your flying abilities.
To learn more about flying RC model airplanes,
location of the nearest AMA club, AMA safety
code, frequency guidelines and much more, we
highly recommend that you contact the:

Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
Toll-Free [phone]
www.modelaircraft.org

Warranty and Follow-Up Procedures

Due to the nature and operation of this product, the
warranty does not extend beyond the initial pre-flight
testing. Carefully check the parts and operation before
your first flight. Damage incurred during landing, crash­ing or modification is not covered under the warranty.

Warranty: Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product
to be free of defects in material and workmanship. If
you discover defects during the very first preflight test­ing (Steps 1–10, & 13), please call our Product Support
staff toll-free at 1-877-504-0233 for technical support.
If you are directed by them to return the product to our
Service Center, you will be provided with a RA (Return
Authorization) number. If,in our opinion, after inspecting
the product, we determine it to be defective, we will
repair or replace it at our discretion.

If you are directed by our Product Support staff to
return the Firebird Scout™, please follow these instruc­tions:

1. Unplug the battery from the airplane.

2. Pack the complete Firebird Scout (all components in
the original box) and put into a sturdy shipping car­ton for protection.

3. Include your complete name and address informa­tion inside the carton, as well as clearly writing it on
the outer label/return address area. Include detailed
information explaining the nature of the problem(s)
encountered.

4. Please date your correspondence and be sure your
complete name, address and daytime phone number
appear on this enclosure. Please include your origi­nal dated sales receipt.

Mail to the following address:

Horizon Service Center
Attn: HobbyZone Dept.
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign, IL 61822

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 26

Replacement Parts

After a little practice with your Firebird Scout™, you’ll be ready to take on the added
challenge of the games shown below. Test your own skills or challenge your family
and friends to some competition.

29

Replacement and Optional Parts

Keep that Firebird Scout™flying! Spare parts are available from your dealer or from Horizon Hobby direct (www.horizon­hobby.com). Please check with your dealer first—by supporting your dealer, they’ll be there when you need them. To
locate your local dealer, go to www.hobbyzonesports.com.

HBZ4561 Transmitter: CH. 1,26.995 $15.99
HBZ4562 Transmitter: CH. 2,27.045 $15.99
HBZ4563 Transmitter: CH. 3, 27.095 $15.99
HBZ4564 Transmitter: CH. 4, 27.145 $15.99
HBZ4565 Transmitter: CH. 5, 27.195 $15.99
HBZ4566 Transmitter: CH. 6,27.255 $15.99
HBZ1058 Transmitter Antenna:Firebird Scout $ 4.99
HBZ4549 Transmitter Battery Cover: FB Scout $ 1.99
HBZ4631 Fuselage CH. 1, 26.995 $32.99
HBZ4632 Fuselage CH. 2, 27.045 $32.99
HBZ4633 Fuselage CH. 3, 27.095 $32.99
HBZ4634 Fuselage CH. 4, 27.145 $32.99
HBZ4635 Fuselage CH. 5, 27.195 $32.99
HBZ4636 Fuselage CH. 6, 27.255 $32.99
HBZ4620 Standard Wing: Firebird Scout $ 8.99
HBZ4630 Tail w/Accessories: Firebird Scout $ 5.99

HBZ4617 Canopy Cover w/Latch and Screw $ 1.99
HBZ4610 Decal Sheet $ 2.99
HBZ4607 Propeller $ 2.29
HBZ4616 Instructional VCD $ 2.99
HBZ4545 6V 300mAh Ni-MH Battery $12.99
HBZ4628 Trailing Edge Caps (2): Firebird Scout $ 1.29
HBZ4626 White Rubber Bands (6) $ 0.99
HBZ1059 Red Antenna Ribbon: Firebird Scout $ 0.79
HBZ4618 Black Nose Piece: Firebird Scout $ 1.69
HBZ4629 Tail Horn & Keeper (2):Firebird Scout $ 0.89
HBZ4541 Landing Gear Set: Firebird Scout $ 2.99
HBZ4547 2 1/2 Hour Wall Charger w/Timer $ 9.99

Optional Parts
HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger (All Birds, ZZR) $19.99

28

More Fun with the Firebird Scout

1. Limbo

2. Pylon

3. Spot Landing

4. Duration

PART# DESCRIPTION MSRP PART# DESCRIPTION MSRP

7047_HBZ(FBS.manual).qxd 10/5/04 9:30 AM Page 28

3130

HBZ1026 DC Peak Charger

Charge your battery from your car in about 40 minutes with our
DC Peak Charger, including adapter to charge most
HobbyZone

®

Aircraft and ZigZag™boat batteries.

HBZ4545 6V 300mAh Battery

Keep your Firebird Scout™in the air by purchasing an additional
battery pack.

HobbyZone Accessories

Please go to hobbyzonesports.com for more information
about all of our great planes, boats and surface vehicles!

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